By Michelle Tirado

Even a few years ago when the economy was strong, many could only wish they had the money to purchase a Phillip Charette -crafted Yup’ik mask. Today, with people and businesses crimping like they never crimped before, it is tougher than ever to find buyers. But what about renters? The award-winning artist hopes there are more of them.

Charette’s masks are ornate, made from a variety of organic materials, such as wood, clay, bones, feathers, hides, shells and teeth, and each has its own special meaning. They are large, some as tall as six feet, and, yes, pricey, ranging from $1,800 to $28,000.

To make his masks and other works, which include Alaska Native-themed sculpture and prints, more accessible — in good and bad economic times — Charette has decided to offer rental and lease arrangements.

Charette, his Yup’ik name “Aarnaquq” (“the one who is dangerous”), has been a full-time artist since 2001, when he abandoned a high-stress administrative job at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He holds three degrees, one a master of education from Harvard.

Based in Baker City — a mountain-edged community in eastern Oregon that is emerging as a desirable place to live for artists — Charette and his work have traveled around the country to museum exhibits. He has entered his pieces in shows and has won awards. Last year, his series of Medicine prints won First Place and Best of Graphics Division for monotypes "Medicine" at the Santa Fe Indian Art Market Awards.

His works that are for sale can be found in his Web-based gallery, YupikMask.com, and at three Baker City venues: Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, Earth and Vine, Art and Wine Gallery and Clark and Company Home, Fine Furniture and Fine Art Gallery.

Some of his “sold” pieces are in personal private collections, but several were purchased by businesses, such as the Brimstone Wood Fire Grill in Pembroke Pines, Fla. The restaurant has his Alaskan Native Yup'ik Spirit Bear Functional Dance Mask on public display. He was scheduled to meet with an architect in January to discuss the sale of another piece for a resort-lodge.

“But there are a lot of companies that can’t afford to buy a large piece but can afford to rent it — and it is all tax deductible,” Charette said.

Rental and lease arrangements are available for any of Charette’s pieces valued at more than $500. Monthly payments vary according to price and terms. For example, the lease payment for an item valued at $10,000 or more would be 2.5 percent. As a short-term rental (less than a month), it would be 9 percent. The renter must also pay a deposit (equal to two monthly payments) as well as shipping, insurance and installation costs. A lease-to-own arrangement will probably be offered too down the road.

Rental artwork is not a new concept. Many galleries and museums have such programs. The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture offers pieces for rent through its ART @ WORK program, providing businesses and homeowners the opportunity to experience a variety of quality art without making a huge investment. Tammy Gabbert, Art @ Work manager, said most clients are businesses located in downtown Spokane, though a few homeowners have become regular renters. The museum rents its work on a three-month cycle, and the total average cost for that rental is $135.

Gabbert, who has been with Art @ Work for a year and a half, said the program has been successful. “Of course, right now with this horrible economy it is just holding steady.”

Charette said he started considering renting out his work a few years ago, in better economic times. With the nation now officially in a recession, he quickly took the idea off the back burner.

“We are creating a situation that allows businesses — casinos and other places — that do have some money but can’t afford to lay out $10,000 to $30,000 to have that piece,” Charette said.